I appologize if these questions seem stupid or have been asked a million times before. I have my first batch of cider fermenting in a primary (6 gallon bucket). From what I was told, in about 4 weeks or so, I should be racking the cider into a glass carboy to allow it to settle out and clarify and then moving it to bottles. I was told to look for bubbles about 1 per minute before moving it over. However, most people on these forums say you should trust the hydrometer instead of the airlock. Is it ok to keep opening the lid on the bucket and checking the SG? I'm suppose to be keeping air out of the cider right? Also, what should the SG be before moving into the secondary? I started around 1.071.
I'm planning to move the cider into 4-5 1 gallon jugs after it sits in the secondary for a while. I'd like to add sugar to at least one bottle to carbonate. How do I know how much sugar to add? I assume too much can cause explosions and too little won't give me sparking cider.
Thanks for any help. I've only brewed in Mr. Beer kits prior to this and I'm going on the advice of an ex-coworker who had done a lot of brewing.
I'm planning to move the cider into 4-5 1 gallon jugs after it sits in the secondary for a while. I'd like to add sugar to at least one bottle to carbonate. How do I know how much sugar to add? I assume too much can cause explosions and too little won't give me sparking cider.
Thanks for any help. I've only brewed in Mr. Beer kits prior to this and I'm going on the advice of an ex-coworker who had done a lot of brewing.